Washington State

Combating Advisory Council

n the fall of 2008, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) and the University of I Washington’s Leadership Education in Neurodevel- CAAC Membership opmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND) were The Combating Autism Advisory each awarded competitive grants through the federal Council is made up of: Department of Health and Human Services under the Combating Autism Act of 2006. Autism Task Force Members CSHCN’s “Autism Awareness: Partnership for Change” and Autism Organizations LEND’s “Combating Autism Expansion” grants are funded (State and National) through August 31, 2011. Children’s Hospitals and Both grants’ activities build upon the Governor’s Caring for Regional Autism Centers Individuals with Autism Task Force’s 2007 recommend- Educational Service Districts ations, the Combating Autism Act of 2006, and the six CSHCN national performance measures. Family Members of Individuals with ASD In January of 2009, CSHCN and LEND partnered to form the Combating Autism Advisory Council (CAAC) to guide the Family Support Organizations work of the two federal grants. This began the process of carrying out the state’s strategic plan to explore and improve Legislators needed changes and connect autism-related information, Medical Home services and research to the public. Leadership Network Goal of the Council: Service Providers Provide oversight to the grant projects through Special Education four subcommittees: Access, Family Involvement, Support Center Public Policy, and Training. State Agencies: Build partnerships with service providers, • Department of Health autism organizations, state agencies, and family support organizations. • Department of Social and Health Services Raise awareness of the importance of early screening (DD, ITEIP, Medicaid) and diagnosis of ASD and other developmental disabilities. • Developmental Disability Council Research issues important to individuals with ASD and their families and recommend statewide systems • Office of the Education changes related to services. Ombudsman Train providers, families, and state agencies and • Office of Superintendent organizations that interact with children with of Public Instruction ASD and other developmental disabilities. University of Washington Impact existing benefit systems for children with (Education, Research and ASD and other developmental disabilities. Treatment)

University of Washington State Department of Washington

LEND Program Health

CSHCN State Autism Implementation Grant Goals Raise awareness about the importance of early screening and diagnosis and improve access to quality, comprehensive, coordinated, community-based systems of health care and related services for children with disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

The CSHCN Program will: Engage and empower key stakeholders to participate at all levels of the project, including needs assessment, program development and implementation, and sustainability planning. Coordinate consistent, evidence-based training across sectors of health care and service providers, family support organizations, legislators, and parents of children with ASD and other developmental disabilities statewide. Research and recommend changes to improve service systems for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

LEND Autism Expansion Grant Goals Expand the number of professionals in all disciplines involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and other developmental disabilities.

The UW LEND Program will: Provide high-quality interdisciplinary education to health professionals and family trainees, emphasizing integrated services. Expand the training materials and content to emphasize ASD and related disorders. Increase the number of trainees in the LEND program. Increase the awareness and knowledge of community members and professionals statewide about screening, service eligibility, diagnosis, treatment, community resources and family support for individuals with ASD and their families. Expand the skills of health professionals to create or participate in community-based partnerships for children with ASD and related disorders. Collaborate with MCHB grantees and on screening tool assessment and other efforts to strengthen the evidence base.

For more information, please contact: Washington State Department of Health Children with Special Health Care Needs Program